Kyrgyzstan: Bakai Bank became the official UFC bank in the CIS region

Bakai Bank, one of the largest commercial banks in Kyrgyzstan, has signed a strategic agreement with the UFC, the world's largest mixed martial arts organization. As a result of the transaction, the bank received the status of an official partner of the promotion in nine CIS countries, including Uzbekistan.

The partnership covers Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Russia. Under the agreement, Bakai Bank receives exclusive rights to use the UFC brand in regional marketing campaigns, fight broadcasts, digital initiatives and media integration in the Eurasian space.

One of the key areas of cooperation will be the promotion of sports in the region: the bank plans to support local fighters and develop MMA communities in the CIS countries. Special attention will also be paid to creating a vibrant fan experience through events and customer initiatives related to UFC tournaments.

The Financial Institute sees this partnership as a way to strengthen its position in the regional market and increase brand awareness. According to the official statement, the bank's goal is to bring viewers closer to the atmosphere of the world's fight promotion — both live and at event venues.

Founded in 1994, Bakai Bank ranks fourth in terms of assets in the Kyrgyz banking system, controlling 11% of assets and 12% of the country's deposit market. The bank's capitalization is 10 billion soms, which is equivalent to 112.36 million US dollars. All shareholders of the bank are residents of Kyrgyzstan. The largest of them is Sergey Ibragimov, who owns a stake of about 20% and heads the Board of directors.

In June 2025, Fitch Ratings confirmed the bank's long-term default rating at B - with a stable outlook. The ratings of viability (b-) and government support ("no support") were also assigned, which reflects the bank's independent position in the market.

The partnership between the UFC and Bakai Bank is a landmark example of the integration of sports and financial services in the Eurasian region, where sports marketing is becoming a tool for cross-border brand positioning.